Travelers choose Japan’s top 10 historic hotels and ryokan inns

Japanese travel services provider Rakuten Travel has just announced a list of the top 10 historic hotels and ryokan inns across Japan that their customers rated good value for money. To be considered historic the accommodation must be recognized as a Tangible Cultural Property, an Important Cultural Property, or a National Treasure by the Japanese government.

Located in the traditional castle town of Karatsu, this hotel has been operating since 1876. The buildings and large gardens were originally the home of a Meiji Era coal baron and retain much of the original comfort and elegance.

This large hot spring (“onsen,” in Japanese) hotel in Yudanaka Onsen has been operating for over two centuries and boasts two facilities on the national registry: the Momyama baths pictured above and the impressive wood architecture of the Shoraiso Wing.

This ryokan in the town of Kinosaki dates back to the Edo Period, and although recent renovations have added modern conveniences, its three centuries of history are still very much alive in the decor and service.

This bather’s paradise near Hakone was founded in 1625 and rebuilt in the Meiji Era, combining Western and Japanese styles with comfortable ease. The ornate shoji latticework is particularly beautiful.